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| Sat, 26th Dec 2020 6:47:00 |
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Sutton Bridge Parish Council pleased that plans have been submitted for solar farm |
Sutton Bridge Parish councillors have expressed their happiness over the announcement that plans have been submitted for a solar farm project in the village.
Speaking during the parish council’s final meeting of the year, held virtually, councillors revealed that plans had been submitted by EDF Renewables (EDF R) to install what would be the company’s largest solar farm project in the country on land neighbouring Sutton Bridge Power Station.
Following consultations with residents, the parish, district and county councils and, the renewable energy operator and developer has submitted the plans to South Holland District Council to install the 49.9 MW solar farm.
Speaking during their district councillor reports at the meeting, both Coun Chris Brewis and Coun Michael Booth confirmed that the application had been submitted.
Coun Booth said: “The planning application which was hoping to be submitted in September has now gone in.
“This is the first planning application for a large scale solar farm project in the UK by EDF so it could be one of the biggest we have seen.
“It should generate enough power for 16,100 households annually which I think would be good news.”
EDF R has said that the solar farm would be capable of generating enough renewable electricity for the domestic needs of 16,100 households annually if given approval, saving around 21,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
As part of consultations, EDF R sent out leaflets and put on a virtual exhibition to gain comments and address concerns.
Areas raised included transport and access, glint and glare and community benefits.
In response to feedback from members of the public, EDF R has said it will be offering a community benefit fund of up to £10,000 every year for the duration of the project, and will offer additional planting, including native species hedgerows, to screen the panels from view.
The planning, design and access statement provided with the application states: “The construction phase of the development is expected have a duration of approximately 6 months and planning permission is sought for an operational period of 40 years.
The site would be fully decommissioned and restored at the end of the planning permission period.”
The company has also carried out a number of ecological and other feasibility surveys and is satisfied the site is an excellent location for solar, with high levels of irradiation and a nearby grid connection.
The statement reads: “Considerable care has been taken in the design of the development to avoid unacceptable environmental and amenity effects, whilst ensuring that the development can make a significant contribution to the UK’s requirement for renewable energy generation.”
EDF Renewables head of development, Stephen Walls said: “We are really pleased to be able to respond positively to some of the feedback received from local people. EDF Renewables is an experienced renewables developer and Sutton Bridge is the forefront of several solar projects we have planned in the UK. Our renewables projects will enable us to contribute to the UK’s green economic recovery from COVID-19 and help the country reach its net zero targets.”
A decision is due to be made on the application by early February, 2021.
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